I probably should do more when it comes to my blog, but as we all know, life often gets in the way of what we should do or can do. So I want to share with you a way I have chosen to help, and perhaps you could find a way as well.

Recently, I was brought onto the Board of Directors with an amazing charity, the Home Hospice Association – Hamilton / Halton Chapter. I hope to help with event planning and organization, local connections, social media, and anything else they feel I could help with. First though, a few people I need to thank.

Firstly, Terri Viola-Wilson, for seeing something in me that she felt would benefit others. Terri is the Executive Director for the Hamilton / Halton Chapter. Now onto a few other people; Chad Pilon for jumping on board almost immediately to help with performing at an upcoming event, Bill Watson for agreeing to make time to help arrange and setup sound at an upcoming event, and Tim Soules for coming on board to help plan for a series of events to benefit the organization. Thank you all for what you can do to help.

So what is all this about? The Home Hospice Association mission? “To deliver hospice palliative care in a non-institutionalized environment where compassion and culturally sensitive human connection are hallmarks.” Both palliative care and hospice care provide comfort. But palliative care can begin at diagnosis, and at the same time as treatment. Hospice care begins after treatment of the disease is stopped and when it is clear that the person is not going to survive the illness. 70% of Canadians want to die in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by those people and things they love. Sadly, 84% of Canadians do not have access to Hospice Palliative care for many reasons. What are you willing to do about it? What can you do about it? “Just as it takes a village to raise a child, that village is equally responsible to care for their dying. We want to be part of your village.” How is that for a statement?

HHA (Home Hospice Association) is new to Hamilton / Halton but is not completely new. They are a recognized charity. This chapter will start off with two programs, but can and I am sure will open up into others as things develop. Both these programs have meaning for me, and they the main reason I am so passionate about this organization. The first is Pre and Perinatal Hospice which will include the HOPP (Helping Our Precious Pediatrics) program. I am sure this requires no explanation, but if you want details, please click HERE. The second program is the Bello Project, which journeys with the pet along the path of their loved one’s life-limiting illness to maintain the unshakeable bond between pet and pet-owner until death occurs. So if you can’t see why I stand with HHA and behind them, you can stop reading.

What can you do to help? Financial, Compassionate, and Active. Financial support is always crucial to any charity. As non-profit, they have to have a way to cover various incurred expenses. You can donate in a variety of ways, but the one I am going to suggest first is the Moonlit Memory Walk. This will be held on September 12, 2019 at the Knights of Columbus hall on Queenston Rd across from Parkdale Park. There will be food, there will be entertainment, and most importantly their will be memories. You can register as one or as a team. You can walk for one or more of your lost loved ones. A minimum $25 fee helps the cause. Compassionate support takes an emotional commitment. Not everyone can do this, but for those that can, you are needed more than ever. Are you able to provide that comfort and support to those in need of it? Then you can help. Active is something that most of us can do, regardless of our physical or financial limitations. Do you knit or craft? Can you help circulate flyers? Can you man a table at an event? Can you make phone calls or work online?

The HHA needs volunteers in all areas. I believe we are even looking for a few new board members, but that may change. Please check out their website, and that of the walk. Just highlight the website again, Home Hospice Association.

I challenge ALL of you reading this far … GET INVOLVED. If not with this, then with something meaningful. No matter how bad we have it, somebody probably has it worse. Is there anything at all you can do that would make somebodies life better? Then why don’t you do it.

Like this:

From the beginning, Deacon Media was and is all about Everything Entertainment. So …

The Deacon in the City of Music:

What I would like to do, moving forward, is conduct a series of interviews with local talent for this blog. These interviews would be published on a set day either once a week, bi-weekly, or monthly. I would like to showcase some of their music, talk about who they are, what inspires them, and where they see themselves as they move forward. This would be step one, since my mobility is still limited, and it would be something I can still do from behind the keyboard.

Step two is to expand out into the city and talk more about the venues and the city itself as it pertains to music and entertainment. Above is the logo everyone seems to have adopted to show the world that Hamilton is essentially the Music City of Canada. That is in my opinion and that of many, but may be disputed at any given time. During this step, once my ability to get out and about improves, I would like to explain and hopefully prove this opinion.

Step three would be to delve back into the PodCast world, perhaps with a monthly Vlog? I had a brief foray into this back in the days of Boon’s House with the Deacon Blues Approved segment on Blues Blast which aired on Mohawk Radio. It was brief and short-lived as my time was limited, as was my equipment and experience.

So, this outlines my… goals… moving forward. I may not get to all three steps of this plan as quickly as I like, but it will remain my target.

Back to Step One :

All that being said, it would be nice to get some input. This can be from venues, city officials, artists, fans, etc. Who should I ask to do a small interview piece as I expand this step? Should it be you?

Please reach out via email or facebook.

Music Mondays start on May 6th, with Bonnie Hamilton. Maybe this would be a good start? Maybe my dear friend Chad Pilon, who I know will be performing many time over the summer and is involved in a special charity dear to my heart as well? (Also subject of the preferred image for this post, taken at Boon’s House some time ago)

Like this:

Since ending up jobless and waiting on doctors to sort some things out for the disability process, I am often finding myself with nothing to do. Years ago, many of them, I used to enjoy Role-Playing Games. Mostly Dungeons & Dragons, but have played many over the years including World of Darkness, RiFTS, Gurps, MERPs, and Mech Warrior. I decided to get back into it.

So, RPGing can be alot of fun, but it requires other people. Those people need to find the time with their busy lives to get together in one place for several hours at a time. You need to determine a place the works for everyone which can be difficult when I am not fully able to get around easily. Then finding a way to get those people to the place to play. So far, it looks like I have found that place and some people to play. Exciting.

Now, when it comes to the pictures above… Crafting is something I have always loved to do. Usually more so on the larger side of things like designing and building my son’s desk and soon my own. Building my own headboard and eventually bunk/loft bed. That kind of thing. Even re-purposing items I find about town. This type of crafting has taken a back burner because I am now unable to do some of the work required. I have fat fingers… hey… I’m not a skinny person. Doing smaller things has not been easy. Doing smaller things on a STRICT budget… near impossible. Thank God for dollar stores! Above I put together a little custom dice box for my son, who has decided to join the RPG world for the first time. I have a few more designed for other players, but in time.

The above dice box is a small wooden box. I’m sure you have all seen them. Take apart the box. Being VERY careful… those damn screws are TINY. With my fat hands, almost lost a few. Using nail files, sand down the box to make sure to get rid of burrs and the like. Take measurements of the inside and top of the box to use for the computer side of things. Paint the box with the base color you want. Let dry. Paint again. Dry. Paint. Dry. On the computer, in Corel, design and print out the images for the inside and top of box. Glue the paper to foam core and let dry completely. Cut out the sized pieces and glue to inside and outside of box where you want them. Bead glue around the edges of the foam core. Let dry. Paint and touch up any exposed areas. Once dry, since I have been unable to afford a proper sealant, I just used glue, applying an even coat over the entire piece. Dry. Repeat. Once done, put the box all back together again. Thankfully I had help as my FAT fingers made this extremely difficult. Box done.

I know it does not look like anything special, but it took days. Most of the time spent is waiting on stuff to dry. Even with dollar store purchasing, it can get costly for these little crafts but most the items will last me quite awhile and can be used for a variety of other crafts. I has given me something to do… something to help fight the depression. It gives me small senses of accomplishment. It keeps me excited while I wait to play the game in the near future. I have other projects in the works… DM Screen… Dungeon Tiles… who knows what may come next.

Just wanted to update the blog today, and with something just a little different. So… call me a Geek… call me a Nerd… whatever. I have heard it before, but it has given me something… which is all I needed… something to focus on. Perhaps you can find your something… just don’t be afraid to look and to share.

Like this:

It’s a Sunday and I know it has been forever since I really posted anything new. I have things in mind, but until I am able to better manage, I am taking it slow. The pain, my medications, and the like have made this past year difficult.

#SundayShowcase

I’m hoping to due a little write-up each Sunday, showcasing amazing talent. I like to focus on Canadian talent first, starting as close to home as I can. I may however talk about others as well.

This first showcase I am shining a spotlight on Sue Foley. Foley was born in Ottawa, Ontario, and spent her early childhood in Canada. She learned to play guitar at age 13, became interested in blues music from listening to the Rolling Stones, and played her first gig at age 16. After high school graduation, she relocated to Vancouver where she formed The Sue Foley Band and toured Canada.

By age twenty-one, Foley was living in Austin, Texas and recording for Antone’s, the blues label and historic nightclub. Her first release was Young Girl Blues.

Foley has toured steadily with her band, toting her signature pink paisley Fender Telecaster. In 2001, she won the Juno Award for her CD, Love Coming Down. Foley has also earned seventeen Maple Blues Awards and three Trophees de Blues de France. She has also garnered several nominations at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tennessee.

2018 marked Foley’s return as a solo artist with her latest album, The Ice Queen, which featured guest appearances by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Jimmie Vaughan.

Her newest release, The Ice Queen, is a refreshing burst of energy for Canadian Blues releases. There is a great blend of Modern Electric Blues (“Come to Me” featuring Charlie Sexton) and Classic Blues (“Send Me To The ‘Lectric Chair”).

… Bye For Now …#SomethingToSay

There is no easy way to say this, so I will come out and just say it. For the next little while, I am hitting the “pause” button on #JustPreachin. I’m not sure for how long, but it has to be done.

Over the past few months, my health has been getting progressively worse. Yesterday I woke up with one of the worst headaches I have had in months, full out vertigo, nausea, and the neuropathy pain was unbearable. This of course triggers my anxiety and the worst moments of depression I have had in over a year. I had to work so that I could afford my rent. I managed to get through the day without reaching out to anyone, which was perhaps a stupid call. Not like I was really thinking clearly anyways.When I got home, all I could think about was needing to get this blog out this morning. Once again, almost a full out panic attack. This blog has been my vent for some time now, and I fully intend to get back to it. However, when it now seems to dictate my decisions and affect my health, it is time for a break.

I am slowly working on my health issues and hopefully soon applying for disability, which bothers me and scare me to death. I have no intention to stop working and live off the system. I am currently stuck in a nasty rut. I am missing so much work because of a variety of physical and mental health issues. When I miss that much work, my paycheque reflects it. I can barely pay my bills let alone pay for the multitude of medication that I require to function on a healthier level. Without the medication, my health gets worse… repeat. When I am sick and can’t work, the stress only makes it worse, triggers the anxiety and in turn pushes me down the rabbit hole of depression… repeat.

I need to take care of myself and these issues, hopefully get things in motion. I only hope you all understand and will accept my return when the time is right. I am sure to post events and a few things, but I just can’t devote the hours of time each blog post I have been. I had hoped to monetize things at one point, but again, this will have to wait. Love you all.

The Hammertown Throwdown to Smash Cancer! at Gorilla Cheese (East End)
Sunday Blues with Rick Taylor at Bay City Music Hall (Downtown)Trickbag at King West Bistro (Dundas)
The Cockney Rejects with the Brass at This Aint Hollywood (Downtown)

#ComingSoon in #HamOnt

… no sponsor yet …

August 3rd at Mississippi Queen Foods Ginger St. James & Snowheel Slim

August 5th at Gage Park ONtour: Hamilton

August 18th at Frontier Ghost TownJalopy Jam Up Car Show

September 8th on James Street NorthSuper Crawl 2017

#ThisWeekInMusicHistory

… no sponsor yet …

July 21, 1990 – Roger Waters performs the classic Pink Floyd album The Wall at the Berlin Wall. Having left Pink Floyd, he is joined by The Band, Scorpions and Cyndi Lauper. Over 200,000 attend.

July 22, 1979 – Little Richard, who has been preaching of his salvation throughout the United States, makes his famous statement, “If God can save an old homosexual like me, he can save anybody.”

July 23, 2011 – Amy Winehouse dies in London of alcohol poisoning at the age of 27.

#SomethingToSay

… sponsored by Deacon Media …

I really want to thank my son Christopher for arranging my birthday outing this last Friday and getting me out of the house. I also want to thank those friends who came out and helped me celebrate. I had a great time.

I had been wanting to get out to see The Vaudevillian for quite awhile. My love of the Blues is no secret, and when you get a chance to enjoy authentic Hokum, you should not pass that up. I would encourage you, if you have never seen them, to get out for the experience. They are more than just talented musicians, they are the complete package. You can’t just sit back and listen, you need to step up and take in the entire show!

Get out to see a show! Perhaps later in the week I will tell you all about Hokum music, but I would rather you just get out there and enjoy it.

Grindstone Jam at American House (Waterdown)Rat-Rod Jam at The Corktown (Downtown)Loose Roots Duo at ZYLA’s (Downtown)Chicago & The Doobie Brothers at Budweiser Stage (Toronto)Darling Cora Band Live at Mulberry (Downtown)Youngest and Only, Bad Words, and The Squids at The Casbah (Downtown)

♫♪.ılılıl Thursday lılılı.♪♫

Open Jam at The Gladstone (East End)Joe’s Garage Band at Gore Park (Downtown)The Fraser Melvin Band Southern Supper at Mississippi Queen Foods (Central)Songs From The Bishop with Coszmos Quartette at Bishop’s Park (Central)Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (movie night) at Ferguson Station (Downtown)Basement Revolver Vinyl Release at The Casbah (Downtown)Elvis Costello & the Imposters at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts (Toronto)

#ComingSoon in #HamOnt

… no sponsor yet …

August 3rd at Mississippi Queen Foods Ginger St. James & Snowheel Slim

August 5th at Gage Park ONtour: Hamilton

August 18th at Frontier Ghost TownJalopy Jam Up Car Show

September 8th on James Street NorthSuper Crawl 2017

#ThisWeekInMusicHistory

… no sponsor yet …

July 17, 1991 – Fourteen years after the deadly crash of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Baton Rouge-bound aircraft, the surviving members of the band, reunited under the name “Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991,” return to the Louisiana city to kick off a new tour. Shirts sold for the event read, “Baton Rouge! After 14 years! We’re finally here…”

July 18, 1964 – The Rolling Stones score their first American hit when their cover of Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away” peaks at #48 on the Hot 100.

July 19, 1958 – The Drifters manager George Treadwell, who owns the name, fires the group and replaces them with members of The Five Crowns. When Ben E. King joins the group a short time later, The Drifters become consistent hitmakers, scoring with “There Goes My Baby,” “This Magic Moment” and “Save The Last Dance For Me.”

July 20, 1974 – Joey Ramone becomes the new lead singer for The Ramones.

#SomethingToSay

Today is my Birthday … so I don’t feel like being overly thoughtful and creative this morning. So I will share with you from the wide resources of the net a little about Pandemonium Day …

History of Pandemonium Day Pandemonium day was established to help free us from all the stuffiness that comes with living a life too ordered, a schedule to set. There’s a term called “landing in a rut” and when you’re doing the same thing day in and day out, without any variance or change, and that’s the path to a deathbed lined with regrets. Instead, you need a little pandemonium in your life, random madness and spontaneous acts that will bring about great adventures, experiences, and memories you can cradle and share your whole life. Pandemonium Day tells you it’s alright to be wild, to be crazy, to get out there and tear up the world. Don’t think that you have to behave according to the same rules someone else lives their life by. Sure, obey the law, don’t mess with someone else’s life, but don’t think that anyone has the right to tell you who you are or how to celebrate your own uniqueness. Get out there and follow your impulses, engage your inner child who didn’t know what ‘appropriate’ meant, and run through the fields with your heart wild and free. Indulge in the very essence of Pandemonium!

How to Celebrate Pandemonium Day Two Words: Free Yourself. Free Yourself from preconceptions, free yourself from expectations, free yourself from ‘have to’ and ‘should’, let yourself be free. Life was meant to be lived full of joy and exploring our personal uniqueness, not coddled into a three-piece suit and living out every day according to someone else’s pre-determined plan. While order has its place, it is not the foundation of a life fully lived. Chase the horizon, play in the mud with the frogs, run through a gathering of pigeons, and climb the nearest tree. Pandemonium Day should be lived like it’s your last day on Earth, get out there!

#AroundTown

… Sponsored by Deacon Media …

Looking for more places to review!

#DeaconBluesApproved
#HamOntMusic #ThisWeek

… Sponsored by Greater Hamilton Musician …

♫♪.ılılıl Friday lılılı.♪♫It’s my birthday y’all!

The Vaudevillian at This Aint Hollywood (Downtown)
Art Crawl on James St. North (Downtown)
Artist in the Courtyard at Art Crawl (Downtown)
Art Crawl Walking Tour at Art Crawl (Downtown)
July Makers’ Market at Art Crawl (Downtown)
Family of Things at Cotton Factory (Central)
DR. DISC “Raise the Roof” Free Concert (Downtown)
July Sunrise Live at Corktown (Downtown)
WhiteSpace Band at Black Swan (Burlington)
Zuffalo, Altobeelays and The Accolades at Casbah (Downtown)
Ending Tyranny at Doors (Downtown)

♫♪.ılılıl Saturday lılılı.♪♫

Ginger St. James at Lou Dawgs (Downtown)
Grand Opening of The Fizz Sodas + Sandwiches (Downtown)Tom Wilson + Friends at The Cotton Factory (Central)First Ghost at Club Absinthe (Downtown)Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers at Air Canada Centre (Toronto)Satisfied Customers, Koopa Troop, and Skirt Check! at The Casbah (Downtown)Shake Street at the Winchester Arms (Dundas)The Merge at The Gladstone (East End)Soulshine Rocks The Pour House! (Mountain)The Classy Wrecks at Two Doors Down (Brantford)Bliss LIVE @ The Boston Manor (Burlington)DESTROYER Canada at Stonewall’s (Downtown)Ultimate Ozzy Live at The Doors Pub (Downtown)

♫♪.ılılıl Sunday lılılı.♪♫

Harrison Kennedy at King West Bistro (Dundas)
Sunday Music Matinee and Jam at The Masque (Downtown)Rodney DeCroo at This Ain’t Hollywood (Downtown)

#ComingSoon in #HamOnt

… no sponsor yet …

August 3rd at Mississippi Queen Foods Ginger St. James & Snowheel Slim

August 5th at Gage Park ONtour: Hamilton

August 18th at Frontier Ghost TownJalopy Jam Up Car Show

September 8th on James Street NorthSuper Crawl 2017

#ThisWeekInMusicHistory

… no sponsor yet …

July 14, 1979 – Donna Summer’s “Bad Girls,” a song about prostitutes, hits #1 in America.

July 15, 1978 – Bob Dylan performs at what was the biggest open-air concert in history for a solo artist, playing for over 200,000 at “The Picnic at Blackbushe” at Blackbushe Airport in Hampshire, England.

July 16, 1966 – A supergroup is born. Former Yardbirds guitarist Eric Clapton teams up with bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker of the Graham Bond Organization to form Cream.

Let negativity roll off you like the water off a duck’s back.

“Can we really conquer chaos so easily? If that were so, I should be able to prune the pandemonium of my own soul into something neat and tidy rather than this maze of wants and needs and misgivings that has me forever feeling as if I cannot fit into the landscape of things.” – Libba Bray